Civilians across Lebanon are facing a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis marked by large-scale displacement, rising food insecurity, escalating health needs, and continued airstrikes, despite a three week ceasefire extension being declared on April 23. After a trip inside Lebanon last week, two leaders from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) reflected on the dramatic escalation of needs: 

Bob Kitchen, IRC Vice President of Emergencies and Humanitarian Crisis Response, said: 

“Last week in Beirut, I met with IRC staff and local partners, some of whom have been displaced themselves, who are continuing to respond to this crisis with extraordinary commitment despite immense personal loss. What we are seeing on the ground is a rapidly escalating humanitarian emergency: families forced from their homes, health systems under strain, and communities struggling to meet even their most basic needs. Over 1 million people have been displaced in Lebanon, nearly 20% of population, with over 126,000 people living in overcrowded makeshift shelters. 

“On our journey to these shelters, we saw some sleeping in tents outdoors with some staying in cramped quarters with family and friends. Others are depleting their savings to rent temporary apartments. 

“One mother in a shelter conveyed to us that she was rationing food and her children were only able to get one meal a day. The IRC’s emergency response in Lebanon has focused on critical support, including healthcare, mental health services, and protection. But needs are outpacing resources, and without an urgent scale-up, many more people will be left without the assistance they urgently require.”